Sesame Slurp
we all need some more ramen in our lives 🍜
It’s ramen weather out there in most of North American right now. Delivery is too expensive these days and when it’s super chilly out, the last thing I want to do is leave my house. That means we’ve got to make our own ramen, and I’ve got all the faith in the world that you’re up for the challenge. I’ve shared a ramen recipe already this year, but I don’t know think there’s such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to noodley soup. If you’ve been intimidated by complicated ramen recipes in the past, this one is for you. The broth is super simple and comes together in less that 10 minutes which means this is a great weeknight meal when you don’t want to cook. I’ll show you how to make it my way and then you can go off and do your own thing with it. This winter is going to be a long one so we need all the warm, comforting meals we can get.
This recipe is far from traditional, but it comes from a long tradition of taking something you love and making it your own. It’s inspired by Tantanmen, the creamy, spicy Japanese ramen dish that is itself a take on famous Sichuan dish, Dan Dan Noodles. It’s a culinary nesting doll situation. The creamy broth is achieved by simmering broth and nondairy milk together and then stirring in a sesame paste. Like I said, the broth comes together fast so I like to start prepping all my add-ins before I make the broth. In the late summer months, I was adding in shredded carrot, corn, a little TVP, and edamame to my bowls but here in December I’ve been opting for roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, and tofu. Roasted squash, mushrooms, bok choy, and shredded Brussels sprouts would be great too. Like so many of the recipes I’ve shared with you this year, I’m giving you a solid base and encouraging you to make it your own. Add ginger and garlic to the broth, caramelized onions, or even spices like cumin, star anise, and Sichuan pepper corns. Dust the snow off your grill and add grilled veggies instead of roasted. When spring finally rolls around, try some pea greens, young carrots, and asparagus. I think you’ll be making this some regularity, I know I am.
Sesame Ramen
Makes enough broth for 4 servings
